iluvpink
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,370 
Location: Michigan
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Post by iluvpink on Dec 10, 2022 15:06:56 GMT
We are having a Christmas party on Saturday and this always means that I'm in the kitchen prepping/cooking for pretty much three days straight. Anytime I spend all day in the kitchen preparing for a holiday etc it just kills my back. We have hardwood floors in the kitchen and all of our first floor. I do wear Crocs and that helps my feet, but my back is miserable. A few weeks ago with Thanksgiving I was so uncomfortable by the time our guests arrived that I didn't really enjoy the dinner.
I'm wondering if these mats would really make a difference. Or if anyone has any other tips? I am overweight and large chested. I know that doesn't help. I'm seriously working on weight loss. But right now I need help ASAP for the coming week.
ETA dh doesn't cook (though he does the vast majority of the cleaning) but he's going to take Friday off with me to be my sous chef/dishwasher/clean up assistant so that will help some. Doing the dishes is the worst.
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wellway
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,024
Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
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Post by wellway on Dec 10, 2022 15:19:44 GMT
This is the first I'm hearing of anti fatigue mats so I'll be interested in reading the responses.
However, I'm currently dealing with lower back pain so you have sympathies. It's so so tiring. Thank goodness for powerful drugs!
I would do a couple of things, delegate as much as possible, buy in as much pre prepared food as I can and get a barstool to sit on while working at a counter.
Just read your dh is going to help, that's great.
Basically, if you can do a job sitting down, do. I know with back pain you should move around little and often but three days on your feet to prepare a meal has to be managed differently.
Is there anything you tweek about the menu, something you can prep in advance, defrost and reheat on the day?
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styxgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,943
Jun 27, 2014 4:51:44 GMT
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Post by styxgirl on Dec 10, 2022 15:21:44 GMT
I'm not sure about the anti-fatigue mat, I'm sure they help with your feet ... But do you have a back brace? I'm 5'5" and about 220lbs, I have a belly. LOL I notice when my back hurts, if I support (push in my stomach) with my hands, it relieves the back paid a bit! SO, I have one I got on amazon ... It is like a really wide, padded belt with velcro. I also wear it at work when I'll be leaning over taking photos. I do a lot of product photography for my job. Standing and stooping, like when you wash dishes! UGH! Here's a link to the one I have ... BACK SUPPORT BRACE Maybe start having guests bring some stuff so you don't have to do it all! HUGS! |
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Dec 10, 2022 15:40:25 GMT
I don't know if it's specifically "anti-fatigue", but I have a thicker cushioned rubber mat in front of my kitchen sink, that I stand on when doing dishes.
I also slide it over to the counter area when I am peeling, chopping, dicing, stirring, etc... various food items.
My kitchen floor is tile. The cushioned mat is much more comfortable to stand on, than the hard tile.
I got it at Walmart a few years ago. I think it was around $20.
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Post by Merge on Dec 10, 2022 15:44:55 GMT
So Crocs are actually not good at all for extended wear for most people. Try a good, supportive pair of sneakers instead. Consider going to a running store and getting fitted for a pair that suit your foot type and gait. You don’t need a mat if you have adequate support and cushioning in your shoes.
Start now doing exercises that strengthen your entire core and stretch your lower back, hamstrings, and hips. You should feel better very quickly. You should do the stretches daily, especially when you’re on your feet a lot. Developing core strength will also prevent pain and fatigue, and no you don’t need to have abs of steel to see the benefit.
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Post by huskermom98 on Dec 10, 2022 15:48:02 GMT
I'm not large-chested, but my back and feet hurt after standing in our kitchen for long periods (concrete floor with vinyl flooring). We have 2 rugs that are heavily padded/anti-fatigue, one by the sink and one by the stove that are very helpful.
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Post by 950nancy on Dec 10, 2022 15:52:39 GMT
I need a really good shoe. I have found that I can walk in a Croc flip flop happily, but for standing, they don't help my back. Wearing a good sneaker/tennis shoe is really much better for me.
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Post by gillyp on Dec 10, 2022 16:01:23 GMT
I use anti fatigue mats at work where I can be standing for extended periods but they make life better for my feet rather than my back, I think. I used to wear Crocs but now wear Sketchers D’lites for comfort and support.
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Post by CardBoxer on Dec 10, 2022 16:11:19 GMT
Real anti fatigue mats can help, especially with tiredness/pain in feet/legs. They’re the ones commercial kitchens use, or very similar. The cheapies aren’t that helpful, or may be for a short time but will compact. I read a couple good articles (that weren’t click-bait like Best Reviews) about how to choose one but didn’t see it in my bookmarks. This has some good points: www.thespruce.com/tips-for-anti-fatigue-kitchen-mats-1908242 |
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Post by Basket1lady on Dec 10, 2022 16:15:00 GMT
I think they help, but not 3 stays of standing help. I agree with wearing a more supportive shoe, sitting when possible, and taking a few breaks. I call it “resetting my back” and it does make a big difference.
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pilcas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,148
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Post by pilcas on Dec 10, 2022 16:21:24 GMT
I will second getting a good pair of shoes, well cushioned and with support. Crocs are not that. I have foot issues and wearing well cushioned sneakers has been life changing. Nike Air is excellent. I wore them to my last podiatrist appointment and he said they were a very good shoe.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 8, 2024 11:46:57 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2022 16:46:03 GMT
I would say any kind of cushioned rug will help. We have wood floors and it used to be a huge help for me, I need a new one.
I also agree crocs aren't great in the house. I wore them for a while and for me, I had really sharp heel pain if I stood on hard surfaces too long. I wear haflinger slippers inside 100% of the time and LOVE them. Good, correct support for my feet.
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pantsonfire
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Posts: 6,001
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Post by pantsonfire on Dec 10, 2022 16:47:38 GMT
While the padded kitchen mats are nice, they don't help with my knees, feet, or back.
Wearing good supportive shoes does as well as taking breaks to sit down.
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milocat
Drama Llama
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Location: 55 degrees north in Alberta, Canada
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Post by milocat on Dec 10, 2022 16:49:53 GMT
I really like my rubbery cushioned mat. My mom uses one too, will move it from one side of the kitchen to the other as needed. It helps when you're doing hours of kitchen work.
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Post by littlemama on Dec 10, 2022 16:51:46 GMT
They help somewhat. I have some from Costco. What helps me more is wearing shoes while I cook.
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Post by melanieg on Dec 10, 2022 18:41:48 GMT
My mom has 2 from Costco. One in front of the sink and one in front of the stove. She loves them. Says they really help. She has replaced them a couple of times after a few years of use.
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dianegg
New Member
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Jul 2, 2021 23:29:17 GMT
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Post by dianegg on Dec 10, 2022 18:44:13 GMT
My Physical Therapist daughter told me to put one foot forward when standing and working at a sink or counter. This stops you from leaning over your workspace. This has helped me.
I also wear “Oofos” flip flops or shoes, they are more absorbent than the mats and they have arch support and heel cups.
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knitnmomma
Junior Member
Posts: 74
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Post by knitnmomma on Dec 10, 2022 18:57:22 GMT
My husband gave me one for Christmas last year and I love it. It definitely has helped me with back pain while working in the kitchen.
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Post by FrozenPea on Dec 10, 2022 19:06:04 GMT
I have one in front of the sink and move it to the cook top area as needed. I find it really helps. I also open the cabinet that I am in front of and alternate putting my foot on the lower part. It helps my lower back. A small stool would work as well.
I wear my birkenstocks or sneakers. I am not allowed to go bare foot due to foot fusion. Crocks might be comfy but not enough support.
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Post by cecilia on Dec 10, 2022 19:24:10 GMT
This is the first I'm hearing of anti fatigue mats so I'll be interested in reading the responses. However, I'm currently dealing with lower back pain so you have sympathies. It's so so tiring. Thank goodness for powerful drugs! I would do a couple of things, delegate as much as possible, buy in as much pre prepared food as I can and get a barstool to sit on while working at a counter. Just read your dh is going to help, that's great. Basically, if you can do a job sitting down, do. I know with back pain you should move around little and often but three days on your feet to prepare a meal has to be managed differently. Is there anything you tweek about the menu, something you can prep in advance, defrost and reheat on the day? We had them at the registers when I worked for Walmart. While glad I wasn't directly on the floor, it really didn't help me with pain. Then again, I have a bad knee and spinal birth defects. |
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FurryP
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Jun 26, 2014 19:58:26 GMT
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Post by FurryP on Dec 10, 2022 19:29:04 GMT
I don't know if it's specifically "anti-fatigue", but I have a thicker cushioned rubber mat in front of my kitchen sink, that I stand on when doing dishes. I also slide it over to the counter area when I am peeling, chopping, dicing, stirring, etc... various food items. My kitchen floor is tile. The cushioned mat is much more comfortable to stand on, than the hard tile. I got it at Walmart a few years ago. I think it was around $20. This is me too. Except I only use it at the sink. If it died, I would replace it right away, I like it that much. I got mine at Sam's Club. |
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Post by bc2ca on Dec 10, 2022 19:30:14 GMT
Given that all my back issues were resolved when the root source was determined to be my feet, I believe that anything that helps your feet will help your back (knees and hips, too).
I have an anti-fatigue mat in front of the stove and in front of the kitchen sink and 100% know they help. IIRC, DH picked up the first ones at a restaurant supply store and I bought the current, much prettier, ones at HomeGoods.
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Post by Scrapper100 on Dec 10, 2022 23:27:33 GMT
We have them and I think they help but doing dishes still take their toll on your back.
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tincin
Drama Llama
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Jul 25, 2014 4:55:32 GMT
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Post by tincin on Dec 10, 2022 23:42:32 GMT
I love mine and they help me be able to stand without pain. They are about 1/2” thick and feel much better to stand on than my hard floor.
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Post by melodyesch on Dec 11, 2022 1:04:51 GMT
I have two in my kitchen and really do think they help. I also started the habit of sitting to do any chore that allows it. I pull my trash can over to peel potatoes and carrots while sitting. I also sit to do any sort of chopping. I’ve found that it makes a huge difference.
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Deleted
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Oct 8, 2024 11:46:57 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 11, 2022 2:50:37 GMT
Both dh and I stand up at a desk a lot for our jobs. We both have an anti fatigue mat we use when we're standing. Mine is a thinner one from the store. His is the thickest one he could find on Amazon. Guess who's getting a new mat? Me.
Get a thick one.
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Post by lisae on Dec 11, 2022 2:53:28 GMT
I put down a mat sometimes in the kitchen when I'm baking a cake or another task that will take awhile. It does help. If you want to try something cheap, Harbor Freight has a mat for about $10.
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peabay
Prolific Pea
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Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Dec 11, 2022 13:44:22 GMT
100%.
I have one in front of the sink and one in front of the stove top. I feel they've made a big difference for me.
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iluvpink
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,370
Location: Michigan
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Post by iluvpink on Dec 11, 2022 16:04:15 GMT
Thank you for the responses. I do have new tennis shoes that are fabulous and will try wearing those instead of my crocs. I did order a mat to see if it helps. I might try that back support thing too. I will definitely be googling stretches to try. I do stretch each night before bed but maybe there are others that would help more.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Dec 11, 2022 16:25:11 GMT
I think they do help somewhat. The thicker ones are best. I have one next to my counter by my mixer and one in front of the sink. Bought them at Costco. For me it doesn’t matter what I have on my feet, three days of standing is going to hurt no matter what. I can pretty much wear Crocs or my shoes with orthotics interchangeably. I have issues with shoes that have a thicker heel so even well fitting athletic shoes are bad if they shift my weight to the front of my foot. I can’t wear the Skechers that I used to love before foot surgery because the heel is too thick for me now.
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